Cat Chat With Caren and Cody is a cozy corner where cat lovers can grab a cup of catnip tea, curl up in a cozy corner and laugh, learn, share and enjoy a plethora of cat related content that includes book reviews, product reviews, cat health issues, cat related give-aways AND MORE! If it's about Cats, we'll chat!

It is one thing to write about the perils of certain toxins after searching on the internet, it is another thing ENTIRELY to have an email sent to you, begging and pleading to share a little boys' heart-breaking story. It was this little boy, (Zack Flewelling), (who is now a grown man), who begged his Dad to contact me. This post is a TRUE STORY, and addresses how hazardous houseplants and flowers can be to our feline friends. When one hears a story that impacted someone else, it brings it that much closer and takes on an entirely different meaning.

I had been contacted by Zack's Dad in April of 2010 asking me if I would share his "message", I was happy to do that then and am happy to do that now.

After I first posted this in 2010, I decided to make it a yearly tradition to share this post, (occasionally I will make additions to it). I am sure when Zack sees this post repeated, he will be thankful that this special message from his cat "Precious" lives on.

It is hard enough to lose a pet when it passes of old age, it is another thing entirely to have your pet die suddenly at the still vital age of 7, which is how old Zack Flewelling's cat "Precious" was when she died suddenly just a few weeks ago.

Zack Flewelling, age 12, possesses a caring and sensitivity at his young age that many much older than he will ever attain.

Back track to approx. April 11th when Zack's Dad, Jerry was relaxing at home, while his wife (Jennifer), and kids ran to the store. He noticed Precious meowing more than usual, not in a "feed me" kind of way, it was more like a "low growling". When Jerry went to scoop her up "she was like water, there was nothing to her, she was totally limp and very cold but aware."They rushed her to the vet where they discovered that Precious was in renal failure. The vet also wanted to know if Precious had gotten into any rat poisoning or "was there anything else she could have ingested"?

When the doctor left the room Jennifer's eyes spotted a bulletin board with a sign that said "DANGER! Easter Lilies are toxic to cats and dogs" Her heart sunk. They had had an Easter Lily plant on their table for a week now which they had paid no mind because Precious ate the houseplants "all of the time". Jennifer called Jerry at home and had him photograph the Easter Lily with his cell phone. Sure enough, many leaves were gone and there were teeth marks in them, Precious had "eaten it, and a lot of it".

The Flewellings and the vet tried everything, but there was nothing that could save Precious, she passed early the following morning.

When I spoke to Zack who is devastated by the loss of his dear "Precious", there was no hint of anger, just a young man with a thoughtfulness and depth beyond his years. When I asked Zack what the message was that he wanted to relay about Precious, he said, "I want an article to be put in the paper to let people know that plants do not come with "warnings" like other dangerous things do", he continued,"there are many poisonous plants out there, Easter Lilies and tomato plants",just to name a few.

Zack said that "his mission now is to spread the word to other cat owners (and dog owners as well) that plants should come with a warning", (as well they should, or they can be researched online or at the library or bookstores, to find out if they are toxic to animals). Zack would "love to spare anyone else the pain" that he is experiencing after having lost his beloved cat, Precious, by making them aware that toxic plants exist and to keep them away from cats and dogs.

Zack's cat may have been named "Precious" but Zack, with his unselfishness and caring for others, by wanting this message relayed for the safety of their pets, is quite "Precious" himself.

****NOTE:if you suspect your animal may have ingested a poisonous plant or other poisonous item the symptoms can range from seizures and foaming at the mouth to vomiting and coma. DO NOT WAIT FOR SYMPTOMS TO APPEAR. Immediate medical attention is necessary.THE ASPCA 24-HOUR EMERGENCY POISON HOTLINE IS 888-426-4435 (There is a $60-something fee payable via credit card)

This is such an important thing to be aware of, and that is such a sad story. BUT... I don't think a lot of people know how far toxins for cats go. Did you know that Rogaine can fatally damage a cat's heart? When my human found that out, she was shocked - I love to chew on her hair, and she would never put me at risk! So it's not only the poisons that people immediately think of, like rat poison, or lilies, or even cleaning products. Just look in your medicine cabinet, or even your kitchen cabinet. We kitties have a different system than humans, or dogs, and different things can affect us in really bad ways.

Summer thank you for pointing those items out. I knew about household cleaners and of course medicines, gum, anything with xylitol........(however you spell it) I don't use Rogaine so I didn't know.....we have to be vigilant. I tend to be rather paranoid with things that can be harmful and I can tell you are too......sadly, the people who truly NEED to read these kinds of posts......will never see them.

Thanks for sharing this and you're right, we need to share the dangers as much as we can. Many people do not know.Years back, my sister's cat died the same way, unexpectedly, because of her husband's endearing but unknowingly dangerous habit of bringing her Easter Lilies because she loved them. Misty died a horrible death. It was a very sad time.

Mom has had to throw some of her plants out! I will eat anything green so she did not want me to get sick! Great post! And belated birthday to Cody. Cinnamon says he is a HUNKAnd My Mom hopes that everything comes out OK for your Mom tomorrow.PurrsMarv

this post is heartbreaking; but important. Thanx for sharing it again; it's a great reminder for all of us. we tend to forget. Zack; if you are reading this, you have a "wisdom" most people don't achieve if they live 90 life times. We are sorry about Precious; what a gorgeous girl she was; is, and always will be ~ ♥♥♥♥♥

Such a sad story. When our previous cats went in and out of the house, they never seemed at all interested in our large collection of house plants. Now that our cats are inside only, we've had to be very careful. Rufus is Inspector General, into everything! We carefully google plants before bringing them home now.Another advantage of having a microchip in our cats is that Home Again membership means the $60 dollar fee for the Poison Hotline is waived. (We also no longer leave any baked goods wrapped in plastic on our kitchen counter after the Rufus and the Chocolate frosting episode!)Thank you for this life saving reminder!xxoo

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About Me

Lived in Cleveland, Ohio for 35 years, where I worked in advertising at The Plain Dealer, (Ohio's largest newspaper) for 21 and a half years. Moved to Michigan in 2001.

After falling victim to company downsizing in 2007, my "re-invention process" began. The movie "Julie and Julia" was the catalyst which lead to the birth of "Cat Chat With Caren and Cody" in 2009. It is a tribute to my Angel Bobo, my current cat Cody, and cats everywhere!

I am deeply immersed in the Pet industry working as a Digital Influencer, and Professional Blogger.

I am also available to help you manage all of your social media needs!.